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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

  • Standard Recovery Time:
    Varies
  • Average Cost:
    $12,750 - $15,500
  • Anesthesia Required: :
    Potentially
Woman holding a baby hand in her hand

About In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the world’s most well-known and widely used assisted reproductive technologies. It has assisted countless aspiring parents in overcoming previously insurmountable fertility challenges. It gives many patients who are trying to start families hope when other treatments have failed.

Commonly asked questions about In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Before undertaking any procedure, you will want to be confident in your knowledge. Find the details on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) here.

1. What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of fertility treatment using the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology, as well as surgical procedures and medications, to assist sperm in fertilizing an egg (or oocyte) outside of the body. Once a healthy embryo has formed, it is then transferred into the uterus of the woman. IVF is one of the most commonly used treatments to improve pregnancy chances.

2. How does IVF work?

IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce one or more follicles containing eggs. The eggs are retrieved and fertilized with conventional IVF or Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using a prepared sperm sample to create embryos. The viable embryo is then transferred to the uterus. IVF can be performed using a couple’s eggs and sperm, an anonymous donor, or a gestational carrier.

3. When to consider IVF?

IVF treatment is frequently used by infertile couples, couples who have had unsuccessful IUI attempts, or who are at risk of passing on a genetic disorder. It may also help people who are sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQIA+), as well as single people, in starting a family.

4. Who is a candidate for IVF?

There are numerous reasons to choose IVF. Common reasons for women and couples trying to conceive using IVF treatment include, but are not limited to:

  • Female infertility, such as reduced egg quantity/ quality
  • Male infertility, such as reduced sperm quantity/ quality
  • History of recurrent pregnancy loss or miscarriage
  • Structural issues, such as blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
  • Reduced ovarian function
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine Fibroids
  • Cancer survivors (contact us for more details)
  • Patients using an egg or sperm donor or gestational carrier
  • History of genetic disease in one or both partners

5. How does IVF treatment work?

Preparation

Prior to beginning an IVF treatment cycle, both parties (if applicable) will first undergo an initial assessment. Cycle monitoring could also be included. Patients will be advised on treatment preparation, including any medications, during this early stage.

Ovarian Stimulation

Each patient’s stimulation can look different depending on various factors. Generally, at the start of the menstrual cycle (referred to as “Day 1”), the patient will receive daily injections of follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) for approximately 8 -14 days to stimulate the ovaries and create multiple eggs.

Egg Retrieval

The egg retrieval is a procedure in which doctors insert a speculum into the vagina to clean the cervix, then, using an ultrasound technique, the follicles in the ovary will be located prior to the collection of eggs and follicular fluid. The procedure takes about 20 minutes and is often accompanied by a sedative or local anesthetic.

Sperm Sample

On the same day of the egg retrieval, a sperm sample is required. This is provided by your partner or pre-arranged sperm donor.

Fertilization

After the eggs are extracted from the ovaries, they will be fertilized with the sperm sample provided. The fertilized eggs are then placed in an incubator for 5 days to develop into a mature embryo known as a blastocyst. At this stage, the blastocyst can be transferred to the patient’s uterus or a gestational carrier for implantation and potential pregnancy. If there are multiple blastocysts or if you plan to do a frozen embryo transfer, they can be safely frozen for future transfer.

Embryo Transfer

When your body and embryos are ready for implantation, embryo transfer will take place. The embryo transfer takes about 10 minutes and occurs three to five days after the egg retrieval. The procedure entails inserting a speculum, cleansing your cervix, and placing the embryo in the upper portion of your uterus using an embryo transfer catheter.

Pregnancy Test

A pregnancy test will be administered about two weeks after the procedure to determine if you are successfully pregnant, and an ultrasound will be performed to ensure that an embryo has been successfully implanted in the uterus.

6. How long does IVF take to complete?

An average IVF cycle takes one to two months from the time fertility medications are started until the embryo is harvested.

7. How much does IVF treatment cost in Canada?

The cost of IVF treatment varies depending on factors such as the physician’s clinical experience/technique, geographic location, and additional medical factors such as the number of cycles, medications, and tests. In Canada, the average cost for one cycle of IVF treatment ranges between $12,750,000 to $15,500.

8. What are the risks of IVF?

As with any medical procedure, IVF treatment carries risks and side effects. It is critical that you discuss the procedure with your physician. Different stages of the IVF process may be associated with risks including, but not limited to:

  • Soreness and/or bruising
  • Nausea and/or bloating
  • Breast soreness
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Abdominal pain
  • Risk of multiple births, premature delivery, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)